Treasures of Berlin - Manchester

Of all our European tours, this is the shiniest. For the magpies among us, our Berlin city break is a veritable nest of glittering treasures. Famed for its opulent palaces that date back to the Kingdom of Prussia, we discover a gold mine of lavish Baroque and Rococo architecture, richly decorated Stucco interiors and exquisitely manicured parks. Signature sights include the stunning Sanssouci Palace and Cecilienhof, where the Potsdam Conference took place. There is plenty of time to soak up the vibrant culture of Germany's fascinating capital city, which has experienced so much change in recent years.What's Included?
Includes- Return flights to Berlin- Airport taxes & luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)- Airport transfers in Germany- 6 nights at the Hotel Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's, Berlin (JG4 rating) with breakfast plus 1 dinner - Excursions to Schönhausen Palace, Berlin Cathedral, Charlottenburg Palace, Sanssouci Palace & Cecilienhof- Audio-guided tour of Sanssouci Palace- Guided city tour of Berlin- Scenic river cruise of Berlin- Services of a tour manager in Germany

Itinerary
ItineraryDay 1We fly to Berlin and transfer to our hotel in the heart of the city.Day 2 - Berlin guided city tourWe get to know the German capital of Berlin. It may be a rather big city but, luckily for us, all the best areas are lovely and compact. Once divided, now reunited, it really is full of contrasts with a variety of historical and modern attractions. We enjoy a guided city tour which covers some of the most important sights including the Brandenburg Gate, a former symbol of the divided city.After our tour, the rest of the day is left free to discover more of Berlin at leisure and, in keeping with its 'live and let live' motto, it's a wonderfully relaxed place to explore. Later, we enjoy dinner together back at the hotel.Day 3 - Schönhausen Palace & River CruiseSchönhausen Palace provided the backdrop for many important political and historical moments. Originally a manor house was built on the site in the 1660s before King Friedrich II gifted it to his wife, who used it as a summer residence and adored the opulent rooms, Stucco ceilings and colourful floral carpets, which we admire during our visit. Later, Wilhelm Pieck used the residence as his official seat during his time as president of the German Democratic Republic after the partition of Germany. The presidential garden is a reminder of this time.Later, we enjoy a river cruise through the centre of the city, taking in a selection of iconic sights from a new perspective. Cameras at the ready for the fascinating cityscape, including the silhouette of the stunning domed Berlin Cathedral on Museum Island, as we meander along the River Spree.Day 4 - Berlin Cathedral & Charlottenburg PalaceAfter spotting the famous cathedral from our river cruise, we get up close with a fascinating visit here. The majestic Italian Renaissance-style structure is flanked by four Baroque towers and envelopes equally lavish interiors, from a marble and onyx altar to elaborate mosaics. It served as the court church for the Hohenzollern dynasty, the monarchy of Prussia and later the German Emperors.Our next stop is Charlottenburg Palace. Built at the end of the 17th century, it is one of Berlin's key reminders of the splendour of the Hohenzollern clan, who ruled until 1918. Packed with treasures from the grand Rococo ballroom and collections of precious porcelain to the silver vault; glittering with the remaining pieces of the Prussian crown jewels, there is so much to discover in this former royal residence. The leafy palace park is also well worth a wander after we see the first-ever bathroom in a Baroque palace!Day 5 - Sanssouci Palace & CecilienhofWe visit Sanssouci Palace for an audio-guided tour. Sans soucI, which means 'without a care', was the much-loved summer retreat of the Prussian King; Friedrich the Great. The Rococo palace sits pretty above the vineyard-festooned terraces, and inside the intimate suites still boast their original decorations. Outside, the sprawling grounds are as impressive as ever, with the Chinese House and Orangery proving to be the most relaxing of hideaways. The king's grave is on the highest terrace on the hill, buried next to his beloved greyhounds.Afterwards, we head to Cecilienhof, an English-style mock Tudor curiosity, which seems in stark contrast to the luxurious palaces we have visited so far. Though humble from the outside, this was actually the location where world history was made when the Allied powers met here after the Second World War to discuss the occupation of Germany. Originally built in 1913 by Kaiser Wilhelm II, it was the last palace constructed by the Hohenzollern clan before it went on to serve as the location for the Potsdam Conference, attended by Josef Stalin, Harry Truman and Winston Churchill in 1945.Day 6 - Day at leisureToday, we take the chance to spend some more time at leisure. Our base, in the heart of Berlin, allows us plenty of opportunity to explore this magnificent city and the treasures it beholds. Immerse yourself in Germany's vibrant culture and history and explore its fascinating architecture or sit back in one of the many traditional eateries and watch the world go by.Day 7We check out of our hotel and transfer to Berlin airport for our return flight home.

Berlin
Berlin really does have a check list of some of the 20th centuries most historic sites and buildings- the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie- to name only a few.Each one of these truly iconic sites offers evocative feelings and memories that set Berlin aside as one of the most important cities in Europe.Hotel
Hotel Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's BerlinJG4 ratingThe Hotel Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Berlin is a modern and stylish retreat in the heart of Berlin. The hotel offers an exceptional blend of contemporary design and bold decor, all just a stone's throw away from Berlin's famous cultural landmarks. The comfortable en-suite rooms feature a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi while the other hotel facilities include a restaurant, a bar with panoramic views of Berlin, gym and spa (treatments are available at an extra cost).Hotel RatingJG4 ratingAccommodation in our JG4 category is of an even higher standard, typically offering a wide range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are designed to make your stay the most comfortable possible and the staff provide a service that reflects the detail and quality. You can also expect higher standards of food and beverages.