Berlin, Germany

A City of Contrasts and Resilience

Known for its turbulent past, today's German capital is a global hub for international affairs, creative industries, media, and diverse cultural tourism. Settlements in the area of present-day Berlin date back to the late 12th century, making it a city with deep historical roots.

Berlin stands as a symbol of contrasts and resilience. From iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and remnants of the Berlin Wall to its vibrant arts scene and bustling nightlife, the city pulses with energy and creativity. Shaped by its complex history, Berlin is a living testament to transformation and unity.

With eclectic neighborhoods, world-class museums, and a thriving cultural scene, Berlin offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe. A highlight of your visit will be the Festival of Lights from October 4–13. This year’s theme, Freedom, transforms the city into a glowing stage as monuments, buildings, and squares become illuminated canvases for storytelling, art, culture, and innovation. The festival sheds light on Berlin’s hidden gems while celebrating the city’s present-day cultural diversity and technological advancements.

Germany (Deutschland) – They speak German (Deutsch)

Average Temperatures in October 14° / 6° C

TIP : use BVG Fahrinfo app to get around

Fun Fact: Berlin is that it’s home to Teufelsberg, an artificial hill built from the rubble of WWII. After the war, Berlin used the debris of bombed buildings to create this hill, which stands about 120 meters high. It became a Cold War listening station used by the U.S. and British forces to spy on the Soviet Union. Today, it's a popular spot for hiking, graffiti art, and panoramic views of the city.

Itinerary

Departure Time: 1038
Departure Location: prague-holesovice
Arrival Time: 1436
Arrival Location: Berlin Suedkreuz
Travel time: 4 hours
Accommodation: Circus Hotel (Direct Booking)
Train: Seats booked. Tickets below.

Reservations

Circus Hotel location

Day 8 - Train to Berlin 10/9/2024

Description

Enjoy your final morning in Prague before heading to the train station (Tickets Booked) to catch your train to Berlin. After arriving in Berlin at 236pm, Consider using public transportation to arrive to the hotel. It is a 15 minute ride (or 8 minute drive) check into your hotel, drop off your luggage, and get ready for an evening of discovery.

Start with a 15-minute walk to the Berlin Wall Memorial, a powerful symbol of the Cold War and the division of East and West Berlin from 1961 to 1989. The wall, constructed by East Germany to stop defections, was heavily guarded and spanned over 96 miles. Its fall in 1989 marked the end of the Cold War and led to German reunification. Make sure to arrive before 5:45 PM if you’d like to ascend the observation tower, which offers a panoramic view of the memorial. The grounds are open until 10 PM, allowing for further exploration.

Next, make your way to Haus Schwarzenberg, a hidden cultural gem filled with vibrant street art and graffiti. Wander through its galleries, quirky shops, and atmospheric courtyards, soaking in the creative energy of this artistic enclave.

Finish the evening with dinner at one of the charming cafés or eateries within Haus Schwarzenberg before heading back to your hotel to rest up for tomorrow's adventures in Berlin.

Enjoy a relaxed morning before heading to the train station in Prague to board your train to Berlin. Once you arrive and check into your hotel, drop off your luggage and prepare for an evening of exploration in this historic city.

Day 9 - Street art and tragic history 10/10/2024

Description

Get to know Berlin on a deeper level today as you explore the city's street art scene.

Get a very early start today to beat the crowds and see the street art scene before boarding a train at Berlin Ostbahnhof and heading 1.5 hours to Sachsenhausen Memorial & Museum.

Berlin's street art scene has become a vital part of the city's cultural identity since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and is an ever-evolving masterpiece shaped by the city's history, politics, and diverse communities.

Head to the Fratenal kiss in the early AM before its too crowded, a famous mural on the East Side Gallery in Berlin, depicting a passionate kiss between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German leader Erich Honecker. Painted by artist Dmitri Vrubel in 1990, it recreates a real photograph taken in 1979 and symbolizes the close, yet often ironic, relationship between the two communist states during the Cold War. The mural has become one of the most iconic images on the Berlin Wall.

Then continue to explore the East Side gallery a 1.3-kilometer-long section of the Berlin Wall that has been transformed into an open-air gallery. Painted in 1990 by artists from around the world, it features over 100 murals that express themes of freedom, unity, and hope following the fall of the Wall. It stands as a powerful symbol of peace and the end of the Cold War.

Head to the train station Berlin Ostbahnhof towards Sachsenhausen Memorial & Museum:

From Berlin Ostbahnhof, take the S3 or S5 S-Bahn towards Friedrichstraße.
At Friedrichstraße, switch to S1 towards Oranienburg.
Get off at Oranienburg station.
From Oranienburg, either take bus 804 to the memorial or walk about 20 minutes to the site.

The total travel time is about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Sachsenhausen Memorial & Museum is a former Nazi concentration camp located just outside Berlin, now serving as a memorial to honor the victims of the Holocaust. The museum offers exhibits detailing the camp's history, its role during WWII, and the atrocities committed there. Visitors can explore the campgrounds, including the prisoner barracks, watchtowers, and memorial monuments. This sobering site provides a powerful insight into the tragic history of the era and is a significant place for reflection and education.

Tonight we can explore the city and the festival of lights, an annual event where the city's most famous landmarks, buildings, and monuments are illuminated with artistic light installations and projections. Held every October, the festival transforms Berlin into a glowing canvas, featuring vibrant light art, 3D mapping, and creative displays

Fraternal Kiss

Day 10 - Berlin War History and Evening Surprise!

10/11/2024

Description

Wear comfortable shoes today because we will walk a lot!

Start our walking tour at Gustav-Heinemann-Brücke, a pedestrian bridge in Berlin, connecting the government district with the area around Berlin Central Station. the bridge provides scenic views of the Spree River and the surrounding modern architecture. It symbolizes the connection between different parts of Berlin.

Reichstag Building, is the historic seat of the German Parliament (Bundestag) in Berlin. Originally completed in 1894, it was heavily damaged during World War II and left in ruins during the Cold War. After German reunification, it was renovated and topped with a modern glass dome, symbolizing transparency in government.

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin's most iconic landmark, a neoclassical archway built in the late 18th century. Originally a symbol of peace, it became a symbol of division during the Cold War as it stood near the Berlin Wall. Since the fall of the Wall, it has come to represent German reunification and unity, serving as a powerful national symbol.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe also known as the Holocaust Memorial, is a powerful tribute in Berlin dedicated to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. It consists of 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights arranged in a grid pattern over a vast area. The memorial creates a disorienting and somber experience, encouraging reflection on the atrocities of the Holocaust.Back track towards Unter den Linden, Berlins historic boulevard.

Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is a magnificent Protestant church located on Museum Island in the heart of Berlin. Completed in 1905, it features a striking dome and lavish Baroque architecture. The cathedral is known for its elaborate interior, including mosaics, sculptures, and the Hohenzollern crypt, where members of the Prussian royal family are buried.

Alexanderplatz, a major square in central Berlin, known for its historical significance and landmarks like the Fernsehturm (TV Tower) and World Clock. Once the heart of East Berlin during the Cold War, it remains a bustling hub for commerce, culture, and tourism, reflecting Berlin's dynamic history.

Surprise starts at 730pm (entrance at 630pm)!

After the surprise, indulge in a steak dinner at Grill Royal. We have a reservation at 945 pm.

Self Guided Walking Tour Map