bavaria to berlin
Germany By Rail, Road, And River

Arrive in Munich and make your way to the hotel to settle in and freshen up. Check in is available from 3.00pm In the evening, join us for drinks at 5.45pm for a tour briefing followed by a welcome dinner in the hotel where you’ll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. Overnight: NH Collection München Bavaria, Munich

🍽 breakfast

Today, we have a full day out exploring the vibrant city of Munich, beginning with a metro ride to the famous Deutsches Museum, the world’s largest museum of science and technology, showcasing about 125,000 exhibited objects from 50 different fields. You’ll have plenty of time to explore at your own pace before a walk to Marienplatz, the city’s central square, to witness the famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel in action. Famous for its 43 bells and 32 life-size characters, this large mechanical clock re-enacts scenes from Munich’s history and is not to be missed. From here, we’ll walk the short distance to the Residenz Palace, which served as the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918. What began in 1385 as a castle in the north-eastern corner of the city, it was transformed by the rulers over the centuries. The rooms and art collections span the Renaissance, the early Baroque and Rococo epochs to Neoclassicism. Much of the Residence was destroyed during the Second World War, and from 1945 it was gradually reconstructed. We’ll enjoy lunch here at the Palatinate Wine Bar, savouring local cuisine in elegant surroundings and then enjoy a guided tour of the Palace, learning about its history and marvelling at the spectacular interiors. After our tour, you’re free to do your own thing for the rest of the afternoon and evening. You may wish to stay on and explore more of the Residenz and the stunning Hofgarten (Court Garden) adjacent to the Palace. Built in 1613–1617 by Maximilian I, in the style of an Italian Renaissance garden, the Hofgarten centerpiece is a pavilion for the goddess Diana, built-in 1615. Alternatively, head off and explore more of Munich, poke your head into the shops, visit another museum or gallery. As it happens this tour coincides with Oktoberfest in Munich so dinner tonight will be an Oktoberfest celebration! Overnight: NH Collection München Bavaria, Munich

🍽 breakfast, lunch, dinner

The Rathaus-Glockenspiel Famous For
Its 43 Bells And 32 Life-Size Characters

The Rathaus-Glockenspiel Famous For
Its 43 Bells And 32 Life-Size Characters

The Residenz Palace

The Residenz Palace

Today, we’ll embark on a scenic day trip by coach to explore some of Bavaria’s treasures. We’ll begin with a guided tour of Linderhof Palace, nestled in the picturesque Bavarian Alps. The only major palace that King Ludwig II lived to see completed, it is a testament to Bavaria’s rich history and cultural heritage with its opulent interiors and stunningly landscaped gardens.We’ll continue to Oberammergau village, surrounded by the forested mountains of the Ammergau Alps, and renowned for its charming Bavarian architecture, woodcarving traditions, and 380-year tradition of mounting Passion Plays. It’s a community where time sometimes feels frozen, and where modern life meets the traditional at every turn. There’ll be free time here to stroll through the quaint streets, browse local shops, and perhaps sample some traditional Bavarian delicacies.Next, we journey on to Neuschwanstein Castle, perched dramatically above the village of Hohenschwangau and considered to be a pinnacle of Romantic architecture. This fairy-tale castle, immortalised by the Disney brand, was the personal retreat of King Ludwig II and built in honor of the composer, Richard Wagner, with whom he maintained a lifelong friendship. We’ll enjoy lunch here in the Castle’s restaurant, before enjoying a guided tour, exploring its lavish rooms and learning about its intriguing past and architectural marvels.We’ll return to Munich in time for dinner and the evening at leisure. Overnight: NH Collection München Bavaria, Munich

🍽 breakfast, dinner

The Linderhof Palace And Venus Grotto At The Palace

The Bavarian Village Of Oberammergau Surrounded By The Alps

The Spectacular Neuschwanstein Castle Above The Village Of Hohenschwangau In The Alps.

After breakfast and checking out, we’ll walk the short distance to the Munich railway station and board a morning train for a scenic 3.5 hour journey to Frankfurt. Upon arrival in Frankfurt, we’ll embark on a guided walking tour of this dynamic city, starting with an exploration of Kaiserstraße and Goethestraße, vibrant streets filled with shops, cafes, and stunning architecture. Visit the Goethe House and Museum, the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and immerse yourself in the life and works of Germany ’s famed writer. Next, we’ll visit St. Paul’s Church (Paulskirche), a symbol of German democracy with a rich political and historical significance, dating back to 1848 when the Frankfurt Parliament convened there, the first publicly and freely-elected German legislative body. We’ll continue on to Römerberg, Frankfurt’s historical center, where you can admire mediaeval buildings, the Römer (city hall), and the Old St Nicholas Church. We’ll stop for a lunch break at Zum Standesämtchen, a rustic, cosy restaurant serving traditional German cuisine right in the heart of Frankfurt’s historical Old Town. After lunch, we’ll explore the New Old Town (Neue Altstadt), a beautifully reconstructed historical area with charming shops and striking architecture, and visit the Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom), a Roman Catholic Gothic masterpiece dedicated to Saint Bartholomew. Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, the present church is the third church to be built on the site, with excavations over the years revealing buildings that can be traced back to the seventh century. An option while here is to climb the tower for the breathtaking views. In the late afternoon, we’ll travel by private coach the short distance to Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet to check in to our hotel. Dinner tonight will be in a local restaurant. Overnight: Mercure Hotel Koblenz, Koblenz

🍽 breakfast, lunch, dinner

We Take The High Speed Train
Munich To Frankfurt

We Take The High Speed Train
Munich To Frankfurt

Exploring Colorful Frankfurt

Exploring Colorful Frankfurt

Exploring Colorful Frankfurt

After breakfast, we’ll walk the short distance to the Railway Station and board a train for the short journey to Königswinter, a picturesque town nestled at the foot of the Siebengebirge hill. Upon arrival, we’ll take a leisurely walk along the Rhine promenade, to enjoy the beautiful river views and take in the charming riverside atmosphere. Mid-morning, we’ll ride the Drachenfels Railway, Germany’s oldest cog railway and one of only four rack railways still operational in Germany, to the summit of the Drachenfels mountain at an altitude of 948 feet. Here, there’ll be time to enjoy the stunning views of the Rhine Valley and explore the historic ruins of castle Burg Drachenfels, built between 1138 and 1167 by Archbishop Arnold of Cologne. On the descent, we’ll stop at an intermediate station to visit Schloss Drachenburg, a private villa styled as a palace. Built between 1882 and 1884 by Baron Stephan Sarter, a wealthy banker who never ended up living in it, the castle has had numerous owners since 1902 and a history riddled with intrigue and conflict, including a period during WW2 when the German Labor Front established the Adolf Hitler School. Post-war, the castle became the property of the State of North-Rhine, who rented it out to the Federal Railways as a training facility until 1959. We’ll then complete our descent on the railway and take a refreshment break at one of the local cafes before some free time to explore the town’s quaint streets and boutique shops. We’ll return to Koblenz mid-afternoon, where the rest of the day and evening is at your leisure. Overnight: Mercure Hotel Koblenz, Koblenz

🍽 breakfast

We Take A Ride On The Drachenfels Railway Which Is Germany's Oldest Cog Line To The Top Of Drachenfels Mountain

Today, after breakfast, you’ll embark on an unforgettable full day cruise, including lunch, through the picturesque Middle Rhine Valley on the legendary historic paddle steamer, Goethe. Described as “sightseeing for connoisseurs, the Nostalgia Route takes you from Koblenz, through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Middle Rhine Valley, past the icons which symbolise the romance of the Rhine, and on to Rüdesheim, the little town regarded as ‘typically German’. There is a special atmosphere on board when the giant paddle wheels are turning and ploughing through the waters of the Rhine, creating the Goethe’s own, unmistakable soundtrack. The interior also recreates the feeling of the year in which the ship was built - 1913. Shimmering bronze handrails, polished wood and decorative forms remind one of the early art deco period. Whether you’re sitting out on the deck or down below, among the landmarks you’ll enjoy are Marksburg Castle, Stolzenfels Castle, Castle Katz, Pfalz Castle near Kaub, Stahleck Castle and the Mouse Tower in Bingen, not to mention all the picturesque villages, large or small, which nestle at the foot of the many vineyards along the banks of the river. Upon arrival in Rüdesheim, you’ll have an hour to disembark and stroll through the quaint streets of this charming town, visit local shops, or enjoy a relaxing break at a café. Return to Koblenz by 8 PM, where the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight: Mercure Hotel Koblenz, Koblenz

🍽 breakfast, lunch

We Enjoy A Full Sightseeing Day Onboard The Paddle Steamer Goethe On The Rhine River

Today, we don’t need to be at the station until 11am for our ICE train to Cologne, so there’s time for a lie in and a leisurely breakfast, or the opportunity to get out and explore more of Koblenz. Once on board our train, you’ll speed a magical hour travelling through the picturesque Rhine and Ahr valleys, arriving in Cologne around midday. We’ll walk the two minutes to our hotel, the unbelievably centrally located Hilton Cologne, set amidst the Romano-Germanic historic sites, like Cologne Cathedral, the Old Town, and the shops of Hohe Straße and Schildergasse. After checking in, the afternoon is yours at leisure. We’ll meet in the hotel lobby at 6pm for dinner in the hotel restaurant, the Pigeon Post Bar & Eatery. Overnight: Hilton Cologne, Cologne

🍽 breakfast, dinner

We Take A Ride On The Fast Ice Train Koblenz To Cologne Travelling Through The Picturesque Rhine And Ahr Valleys

Today after breakfast we set out on a morning discovery of the heart of Cologne, on a captivating guided walking tour that takes you through centuries of history and architectural marvels. Our first stop is the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, an awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, the tallest twin-spired church in the world, and a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1248 but was halted in the years around 1560, remaining unfinished until its completion was properly funded in the 1840’s - more than 300 years later. There’ll be time to marvel at its towering spires and intricate stained glass windows, and consider ascending the 533 steps of its tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Rhine River below. Wander across the Hohenzollern Bridge, adorned with thousands of love locks, offering stunning vistas of Cologne’s skyline and the bustling river. The bridge we see today is a reconstruction originally built in 1907, the madness of war saw German military engineers blow it up in March 1945 as Allied troops began their assault on Cologne. It was rebuilt as a train and pedestrian bridge only and is one of the busiest in Europe with 1,200 trains a day crossing it. We’ll explore the Romanesque beauty of Great St. Martin Church and the historic charm of the Old Fish Market and Historic Town Hall; and visit the Heinzelmannchen Fountain to uncover Cologne’s mythical folklore. Our exploration will end at Hohe Straße (High Street), Cologne’s largest shopping area, bustling with shops and cafes. The afternoon and evening is at leisure to explore Cologne at your own pace and cost. You might like to visit the Museum für Angewandte Kunst Köln (Museum of Applied Arts) featuring applied arts, design, and contemporary art; or dive into the history of technology with exhibits on railway history and vintage train models at the Deutsches Technikmuseum Köln (German Museum of Technology Cologne); or be swept away into the wonderful world of perfumes at the Farina Fragrance Museum and discover three centuries of fragrance and cultural history, including the fascinating history of the original Eau de Cologne; or take a scenic ride across the Rhine on the Cologne Cable Car, offering breathtaking views of the city and river. Overnight: Hilton Cologne, Cologne

🍽 breakfast

Perhaps The Highlight Of Our Visit To Cologne Is The Cathedral Which Is The Tallest Twin-Spired Church In The World

Another Highlight In Colonge Is The Hohenzollern Bridge Across The Rhine River. The Original Bridge Was Bombed During World War Il. The new Bridge Built After The War Now Carries Over 1,200 Trains Per Day.

This morning after breakfast and check out we’ll hand over our luggage for private transport to our next hotel and walk the short distance to the station for our journey to Wernigerode. We’ll arrive in time for you to stock up on snacks for the journey just in case the train fare doesn’t hit the spot. With three train changes, you’ll really feel like a ‘traveller’ (and be glad of not having your luggage) as we follow the railway through some wonderful scenery. The leg between Cologne to Hanover is on an ICE high speed train and the other two are using the German regional rail network. You’ll be able to purchase some lunch on the train or dive into your pre-purchased snacks. Upon arrival in Wernigerode, we’ll transfer onto the charming Wernigerode Castle Railway, a delightful little motorised train that takes us up into the Harz mountains for a self-guided tour of the stunning Wernigerode Castle. First built at the beginning of the 12th century (1110-1120) as a Romanesque architecture mediaeval fortress for German emperors to have a secure spot to stop during their hunting trips to the Harz, and modified over the centuries, the present-day building was finished in the late 19th century. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the fascinating architecture and historical exhibits, and marvel at the panoramic views from its spectacular hilltop location. On our return journey, we’ll disembark at Alte Kapelle station near the Ringstrasse so you can enjoy some time at leisure to freely wander the charming town of Wernigerode, known for its picturesque half-timbered houses and quaint streets. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.Overnight: Ringhotel Weißer Hirsch, Wernigerode

🍽 breakfast, dinner

Cologne To Hanover We Use A High Speed Ice Train

From Hanover To Wernigerode We Use The Regional Trains

Upon Arrival In Wernigerode We Visit The Wernigerode Castle

You’ll enjoy a leisurely morning today to linger over breakfast before embarking on an unforgettable journey on the Harz Railway, a historic narrow-gauge steam train to Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains. This spectacular line belongs to The Harz Narrow Gauge Railways (Harzer Schmalspurbahnen), the largest network of narrow gauge railways in Germany, and has been classified as historical monuments since 1972. The sound of the engine’s whistle, smoke drifting past the window and the smell of a real steam train evoke memories of a bygone age as you wind through dense forests, charming villages, and rugged mountain landscapes. Upon reaching the summit of Brocken and disembarking at the station, you’ll be awed by the breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the Harz region. The summit is rich in history and folklore, often associated with witches and legends from German folklore. We’ll enjoy some free time at the summit, where you can wander the trails, spend time at the historic botanical garden of about 1,600 alpine mountain plants, visit the observation platforms, or simply relax and take in the spectacular scenery. There are many cafes and eateries where you can grab a bite to eat for lunch, before reboarding our train for the trip back to Wernigerode, arriving in the late afternoon. Your evening is at leisure. Overnight: Ringhotel Weißer Hirsch, Wernigerode

🍽 breakfast, lunch

We Spend The Day On The Harz Railway Which Has A Fleet Of Steam Locomotives On Narrow Gauge. For The Railfans In The Group They Can Spend The Day Trackside Photographing The Trains.

Today, we travel back up into the Harz Mountains to the picturebook town of Quedlinburg, known for its well-preserved mediaeval architecture and rich, complex history that is said to have given rise to the term ‘the cradle of the Third Reich’. Established in the 9th century, Quedlinburg became a center of influence under the Ottonian dynasty in the 10th and 11th centuries and was an influential and prosperous trading center during the early Middle Ages. The castle, church and old town with around 2,100 timber houses dating from this time were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994 because of their exceptional preservation and outstanding Romanesque architecture. Our day begins with the short walk to the railway station to board our train, which will take us through Halberstadt, offering magical views of the beautiful Harz region. Upon arrival in Quedlinburg, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour privately guided walking tour around the magical old city and up to the castle. Our knowledgeable local guide will tailor the tour to our group’s pace, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. We’ll explore the bustling Market Square with its impressive Town Hall and the historic Roland Statue, visit the stunning St. Servatius Church, and wander through the charming Fachwerkstraße, lined with beautifully preserved half-timbered houses. We’ll also have a chance to explore the exterior of the castle and abbey on Castle Hill, taking in the panoramic views and rich history. Lunch will be a celebration of regional specialties such as Saxon Sauerbraten and Thuringian dumplings in the cosy, half-timbered Restaurant Finkenherd. After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore Quedlinburg’s Old Town at your leisure before we regroup at the train station for the journey back to Wernigerode. Your evening is at leisure. (Note: The railfans in the group can spend the day trackside along the Harz Railway. Overnight: Ringhotel Weißer Hirsch, Wernigerode

🍽 breakfast, lunch

The Picturebook Town Of Quedlinburg

The Picturebook Town Of Quedlinburg

Monday, October 6: (B-L) This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll walk to the station for our train to Leipzig, one of Germany’s most fascinating and historically rich cities, home to the oldest surviving Trade Fair in the world - the Leipzig Trade Fair, and boasting a legendary musical heritage. First documented in 1015 and endowed with city and market privileges in 1165, it progressively became both an important economic and artistic center. The Trade Fair started in the Middle Ages, the University of Leipzig was founded in 1409 and over the years, and more than 500 composers have lived there, including some of the greatest names from music history - Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Clara und Robert Schumann, Richard Wagner, Edvard Grieg, Gustav Mahler and Hanns Eisler. Since the 2010s, Leipzig has been celebrated by the media as a hip urban center with a very high quality of living and is often called “The new Berlin”. Upon arrival, we’ll drop our bags at the hotel and wander down the street for lunch at a local restaurant before setting off on a captivating walking tour of the city ’s highlights. Starting at the bustling Market Square (Marktplatz Leipzig), also known as Naschmarkt, a lively hub filled with vibrant activity, we’ll explore the heart of Leipzig, including stops at the historic Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), Mädlerpassage, a beautiful glass-roofed arcade renowned for its stylish shops and elegant atmosphere; and both St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche) and St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche), famous for their association with Johann Sebastian Bach, who served as the church cantor for many years - Bach’s remains are interred at Thomaskirche, and Martin Luther who preached from its pulpit in 1539. We’ll explore the Königshaus Passage and admire the Löwenbrunnen (Lion Fountain), and wander down Universitätsstraße past the iconic Auerbachs Keller restaurant, Leipzig’s second oldest restaurant on our way down. Established in the 15th century, it was the city’s most important wine bar by the 16th century, owing its worldwide reputation to Goethe’s play Faust as the first place Mephistopheles takes Faust on their travels. Further on, we’ll arrive at the Central Leipzig University buildings, where we’ll spend some time in absolute awe at the history and architecture of one of the world’s oldest universities and the second-oldest university (by consecutive years of existence) in Germany. Founded in 1409 and originally comprised of just four scholastic faculties, the university now spreads across 38 locations in Leipzig, including a University Hospital and numerous prestigious museums, and has engaged in teaching and research for over 600 years without interruption. The central buildings are still located on the same land plots as the earliest university buildings in 1409. The university is associated with ten Nobel laureates, and famous alumni include Angela Merkel, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Leopold von Ranke, Friedrich Nietzsche, Robert Schumann, Richard Wagner, Tycho Brahe, and Georgius Agricola. Your tour will end up back at the Naschmarkt, a brilliant location for you to embark on the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight: Capri by Fraser Leipzig, Leipzig

🍽 breakfast, lunch

This morning after breakfast, we’ll take a short walk to the Museum of Fine Arts to explore the extensive collection, the largest in Germany, of over 4,600 paintings from late Middle Ages to the present, 1,800 sculptures, more than 70,000 works on paper and over 5,000 photographs. You’ll be able to move at your own pace and grab a coffee in the cafe.Once we’ve finished at the museum, we’ll head back to the hotel, collect our bags and make the very short walk to the train station for our 1-hour journey to Dresden on the high speed Intercity Express. Upon arrival, we’ll take a short light rail ride and a brief walk to our hotel, where we’ll check in and drop off our bags before heading off to lunch at the Augustiner an der Frauenkirche Restaurant, conveniently located next door. After lunch, we’ll take a pleasant walk along Brühl’s Terrace, a beautiful promenade along the Elbe River, often referred to as the “Balcony of Europe,” to the spectacular Zwinger Palace, one of Dresden’s most famous landmarks. A palatial complex with extensive landscaped gardens, designed by the esteemed architect, Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann, the Zinger is one of the most important buildings of the Baroque period in Germany. Here, we’ll have the privilege of participating in the Zwinger Xperience tour, a multimedia journey through time that brings the palace’s history and art collections to life. At the completion of the tour, the rest of the day and evening is yours to further explore the inner courtyard, outdoor galleries, and gardens at the Zinger, wander into town, or return to the hotel for some down time. Overnight: Hotel Suitess, Dresden

🍽 breakfast, lunch

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic journey to the breathtaking Saxon Switzerland National Park. After a short walk to the light rail, we’ll head to Dresden Bahnhof Mitte and take a train to Bad Schandau. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a ferry ride across the river, followed by a leisurely 10-minute walk through the charming town to the starting point of the Kirnitzschtal Tram. This picturesque tram ride will take us through the beautiful Kirnitzsch Valley, culminating at the Lichtenhainer Waterfall, where you’ll have free time to admire the scenery and take in the natural beauty of the falls. After returning by tram, you’ll have two hours of free time to explore the Kurpark in Bad Schandau. Wander through the serene gardens, stroll along the riverfront promenade, and enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local café or restaurant. In the afternoon, we’ll board the Sächsische Schweiz paddle steamer for a scenic cruise back to Dresden. Relax and take in the stunning views of the Elbe Valley and surrounding landscapes as you enjoy a light dinner on board. Overnight: Hotel Suitess, Dresden

🍽 breakfast, dinner

The kimitzschtal tram running through
the kirnitzsch valley

The kimitzschtal tram running through
the kirnitzsch valley

The Lichtenhainer Waterfall
In The Kirnitzsch Valley

The Lichtenhainer Waterfall
In The Kirnitzsch Valley

We Take The Sachsische Schweiz Paddle Steamer
Back To Dresden

A leisurely breakfast again this morning before we walk to the light rail station for a short ride to the train station to embark on a day filled with unique train rides and historic exploration. At the station, we’ll jump on a train for a quick 10-minute trip to Radebeul station where we’ll board the charming Lößnitzgrundbahn, a historic steam narrow-gauge railway, for a scenic ride through the beautiful Saxon countryside to Radeburg. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy some free time to wander through the quaint Marktplatz, explore this picturesque town and find a cosy spot for lunch before reboarding our train to Moritzburg, a short distance away and home to the stunning Moritzburg Castle, renowned for its magnificent Baroque architecture, picturesque setting, and, of all things, the world’s most important collection of red deer antlers, including the heaviest and largest red deer antler in the world, all aged between 270 and 400 years old. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the castle, learning about its rich history and admiring its opulent interiors and beautiful surroundings. It’s then back to Dresden the way we came - by train. Upon arrival at the station, we’ll walk to a delightful early dinner at the Greek restaurant Acheron, where you can savor delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. After dinner, you’re free to stay in the area and explore some more, making your way back to the hotel at your leisure. For those wanting an early night, your Tour Leader will escort you back to the hotel on the light rail. Overnight: Hotel Suitess, Dresden

🍽 breakfast, dinner

We Ride On The Lobnitzgrundbahn Narrow Gauge Railway through The Saxon Countryside To Readeburg

The Moritzburg Castle

The Moritzburg Castle

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll take the light rail to Dresden station to board an Inter City train for our scenic journey to Berlin, the last leg of our adventure. Upon arrival in Berlin, we’ll go straight to our five-star hotel at Potsdamer Platz to drop our bags. Once a desolate wasteland during the Cold War, Potsdamer Platz is now a vibrant hub filled with skyscrapers, movie theatres, casinos, and the iconic Sony Center. We then head straight to the Reichstag Building to enjoy the rooftop lunch before being met by our guide for a 3.5hr walking tour of the city which will include a visit to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. This haunting installation features 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid, representing the millions of Jews murdered in the Holocaust. Next, we head to the iconic Brandenburg Gate, a powerful symbol of German reunification before strolling through the magnificent Tiergarten, Berlin’s largest inner-city park. Wander through manicured lawns, explore the rose garden, or rent a boat to paddle on the serene Neuer See lake before returning to the hotel for an evening at your leisure. Overnight: Grand Hyatt Berlin, Berlin

🍽 breakfast, lunch

Brandenburg Gate In Berlin

Today is a ‘free’ day but with options. As part of this tour, you’ll receive a Berlin Museum Pass giving you free entry to over 30 museums in Berlin. You can choose to spend the day exploring museums on your own or join Rob for a tour of some of Berlin’s finest cultural institutions. If you choose to join Rob, here’s what you can expect. Begin with a short walk to the Gemäldegalerie, a haven for European art from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Marvel at masterpieces by Rembrandt, Botticelli, Titian, and Dürer in this impressive collection. Next we catch a bus for some free time for exploration, shopping, and lunch at Hackescher Markt. This vibrant area is perfect for soaking up Berlin’s lively atmosphere and discovering unique shops and eateries. After lunch, walk to Berlin Cathedral and explore the opulent interior, admiring its stunning architecture and rich history. Continue your cultural journey by visiting the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) nearby, where you’ll explore an extensive collection of 19th-century art. A short walk will bring you to the Pergamonmuseum. Das Panorama for a brief 15-minute viewing. Experience the captivating 360-degree panorama painting that offers a glimpse into ancient Pergamon. The tour with Rob will end at the Bode Museum. Here, you can explore the stunning collection of Byzantine art, sculptures, and European paintings. This evening we’ll have a slap up farewell dinner at Bistro Mitte at our gorgeous hotel, the Grand Hyatt. Overnight: Grand Hyatt Berlin

🍽 breakfast, dinner

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. If you’re staying a bit longer in Berlin, your museum pass will still be valid, so feel free to make good use of it! If you’re travelling home or onwards, you’re well positioned next to the railway station (or the cab rank at the hotel) to make your transfer to the airport.

🍽 breakfast