OVERVIEW

Germany reveals many faces, but few journeys capture its energy and imagination as vividly as a visit to Hamburg and Berlin. These two great northern cities are linked by history, water, culture and an unmistakable spirit of reinvention, yet each offers a character entirely its own.

Hamburg welcomes you with maritime grace. Built around the River Elbe and threaded with canals, it is a city of bridges, brick warehouses and broad horizons. The historic Speicherstadt rises from the waterways like a red-brick dream, while the striking Elbphilharmonie signals Hamburg’s confident embrace of the future. Wander beside the Alster lakes, explore the lively harbour, or linger over fresh seafood in a neighbourhood café. From elegant boulevards to the spirited streets of St Pauli, Hamburg combines refinement with a refreshing sense of freedom.

Berlin offers a different rhythm: bold, restless and endlessly surprising. Its landmarks tell stories of ambition, division and renewal, from the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag to the surviving fragments of the Berlin Wall. Yet Berlin is far more than its past. World-class museums, experimental galleries, leafy parks, vibrant markets and an extraordinary music scene make it one of Europe’s most creative capitals. Every district has its own mood, inviting exploration beyond the familiar sights.

Together, Hamburg and Berlin present a compelling portrait of modern Germany. One looks outward to the sea; the other stands at the crossroads of Europe. Both reward curiosity, whether you are drawn by architecture, history, food, nightlife or simply the pleasure of discovering a new street. Travel between them and you will encounter not only celebrated attractions, but also the everyday warmth, humour and resilience that give each city its soul. May this journey inspire you to look closely, wander freely and enjoy their splendours at your own pace.

HAMBURG & BERLIN

25 August 2027 - 7 Nights from Dublin

4* Superior and 5* Hotels

Breakfast & 5 evening meals

Fares from £1675 pp sharing

£2150 single rate (7 singles available)

Flight Details (Provisional)

25Aug27  Dep. Dublin 1.00pm  

Arrive Hamburg 4.00pm - Ryanair

01Sep27   Dep. Berlin 10.05am   

Arrive Dublin 11.25pm - Ryanair

Baggage and flight upgrades (if available)

Choose your seat                        Free towards rear of aircraft

Extra legroom seats                   £15 each way

1 x 10kg carry-on bag                £35 each way

Included in the holiday cost:

·       Flights from Dublin to Hamburg

·       Flights from Berlin to Dublin

·       Train travel to/from airport/hotels *

·       20 kgs checked luggage

·       Plus….1 x small “under the seat” bag

·       3 Nights in 4* Superior “Le Merdien” Hamburg, overlooking the Alster Lake

·       First class train from Hamburg to Berlin.

·       4 Nights in 5* Bristol Berlin Hotel

·       5 Evening meals. You have one evening free in each city for you to do your own thing **

·       Full excursion programme

·       All local taxes

·       Full ATOL financial protection

·       Escorted by Alan & Ann Couser

Not included:

Travel insurance, meals, drinks, gratuities or excursions not included in above

*Train is quicker than bus or taxi, usually

** Anyone wishing to join your hosts Alan and Ann will be most welcome.

PROPOSED ITINERARY

Note: The details and timings of this are likely to change but almost everything included here will still appear in the final programme. We have also changed the hotel in Berlin, as we managed to secure much better rates.

Wed. 25 Aug 2027

Morning travel to Dublin and check-in by 11.00am

Fly to Hamburg. Dep. 1.00pm  Arr. 4.00pm

Transfer to hotel by metro (The best method!)

It is a 7-8 minute walk to the hotel but we can arrange taxis for those who need them.

Check in to 4* Deluxe “Le Meridien Hotel”, overlooking the beautiful Alster Lake. Wonderful location! The Alster Lakes form the epi-centre of Hamburg.

Dinner at local restaurant or hotel. (TBA)

Thu. 26 Aug 2027

Superb Breakfast at hotel

We’ll set off for this morning’s excursion around 10.00am.

A gentle walk, approx 30-40 minutes through the Old Botanical Gardens, through the Dammtorpark and down towards the River Elbe, with a coffee stop en-route. We’ll explore the world-famous Elbe-Tunnel and take the ferry back to the Landungsbrücken. We’ll pause for a lunch-break close by, before joining a short sight-seeing cruise of the harbour and Speicherstadt.

Free time for shopping, relaxing, etc.

Dinner at local restaurant or hotel (TBA)

Fri. 27 Aug 2027

Superb Breakfast at hotel.

Today is a bit of a surprise and we may need to stagger our tour slightly. In the restored warehouses that line the canals of Speicherstadt is one of the world’s most fantastic model railways. Not everyone’s “cup of tea” but we guarantee you’ll be amazed.

Afternoon free to relax, explore.

Dinner is not included this evening but, if you wish, you can join your hosts Alan and Ann at whatever restaurant.

Sat. 28 Aug 2027

This morning we’ll travel by Intercity Express in First Class with a mid-morning departure to Germany’s capital, Berlin. On arrival, check-in to the 5* Bristol Hotel (formerly the famous Bristol Kempinski- frequesnted by presidents and princes, film stars and pop stars). It's a 6-7 minute walk to the hotel - it would take a taxi just as long or maybe longer!

We’ll have a short walking tour of some of the local highlights in the afternoon. It’s a Saturday afternoon and most of the major stores should be open. There is no shortage of museums, sights,cafes, bars and restaurants.

Dinner at the hotel.

Sun. 29 Aug 2027

This morning, we’ll offer a walking tour of some of the local attractions, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Russian War Memorial, the Jewish Monument, Potsdamer Platz, Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall open air museum. You will have a chance to visit the “Stasi or DDR” museum or any other attraction on your own, if you so desire.

Dinner at the hotel or local restaurant

Mon. 30 Aug 2027

This morning, we plan a visit to the famous German Parliament with an informative and fascinating guided tour. (Don’t forget your passports or passport cards!).

We’ll have a break for lunch.

 In the afternoon, we’ll offer an optional excursion to Charlottenburg Palace, the birthplace of kings and emperors.

Some free time afterwards.

Dinner at the hotel or local restaurant

Tues. 31 Aug 2027

After breakfast this morning, we’ll take the train to the neighbouring city of Potsdam, famous for its “Bridge of Spies”, for its signing of the “Potsdam Agreement” at the end of the Second World War between Clement Attlee, Josef Stalin and Harry S Truman. It is also home to a number of grand palaces, notably Sans Souci and the Grand Palais, one of which we will visit.

We’ll stop in the historic and pretty city centre for lunch before returning to Berlin, just a 30 minute train ride away. The afternoon is free but, for those who wish, we’ll stop in former West Berlin and see some of the sights there. That’s also where you’ll find Berlin’s most famous grand store, KaDeWe. (Even I like the place and I can’t stand shopping!)

Dinner is not included this evening but, if you wish, you can join your hosts Alan and Ann at whatever restaurant.

Wed. 01 Sept 2027

As you can see from the flight times, we have a reasonably early start. We’ll have time for a quick, early breakfast but we’ll need to depart the hotel around 7.30am by minibus to the airport.

Check-in immediately.

Ryanair flight departs 10.05am, arrive Dublin 11.25am.

Hotel Bristol Berlin

Formerly the Bristol Kempinski, one of the very best known hotels in Berlin, this luxurious abode lies on the famous, even infamous, Ku'Damm in Berlin's West. In the past, we have used the Bristol many times and are absolutely delighted to be returning. Comfortable rooms, gorgeous reception areas, lounges and bar and a wonderful spa, featuring Germany's oldest indoor pool and several saunas and steam rooms. Breakfast is an astounding experience in the beautiful dining room.

Our rooms here are approx 200sw ft and all beautifully appointed. We can offer the following ugrades.

King Grand, 323 sq ft  £270 per room for all four nights

One bedroom suite, 420 sq ft £495 per room for all four nights.

We also have a selection of super-deluxe rooms. Rates on request.