Berlin and the Harz Mountains
Unmissable city break & a mountain discovery in one tour!
This two centre tour combines the cosmopolitan bustle and historical significance of Berlin with the spectacular beauty of the Harz Mountains. Step into a land of pine-covered hills, green valleys and half-timbered medieval villages. Enjoy all this beautiful scenery and ride through it aboard the unique Harz Narrow Gauge Steam Railway. This tour offers a glimpse at two different but equally wonderful aspects of Germany.
Traverse the scenic German countryside on the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway
The Harz Mountains, Germany’s northernmost mountain range, is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Step into a land of pine-covered hills, green valleys and half-timbered medieval villages. It’s also an area rich in legend, fairytales and folklore. With so many beautiful castles and gardens, it does look like a whimsical kingdom from a storybook.
During this tour we enjoy all this beautiful scenery and ride through it aboard the unique Harz Narrow Gauge Steam Railway. Chug up the highest peak of the Harz Mountain range for outstanding views. This train departs from the wonderful town of Wernigerode. It boasts a Gothic town hall as well as a castle which looks like it fell out of a fairytale. This area has an abundance of beautiful medieval towns.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1-2
Travel to Germany
Take a short sea crossing to Calais and travel to Germany for an overnight stop before arriving in Berlin on day 2.
Day 3
Berlin
Explore the cultural and historical sights of Berlin on a guided tour. Key sights include the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Bundestag, Museum Island, Potsdamer Platz and Berlin Cathedral. Perhaps spend the afternoon strolling along the famous Unter den Linden Boulevard or shopping on Ku’damm. There’s a host of fascinating museums worth exploring such as the DDR museum which offers insight into life in East Berlin.
Day 4
Berlin – Goslar
This morning we enjoy a river cruise though Berlin to take in the sights from an alternative perspective. Then we travel to Goslar to the second hotel. Goslar is on the edge of the Harz Mountains National Park. With large sections of its medieval walls still preserved, Goslar is known for its beautiful old town.
Day 2
Imperial Goslar
Goslar, with its thousand year history, offers a postcard worthy view at almost every turn. The town itself has been strongly influenced by mining and visitors can experience an exceptional collection of industrial monuments and cultural heritage. These include the Emperor’s Palace, Town Hall and Rammelsberg Mine itself. The town also boasts a wonderful pedestrian shopping area and excellent market square.
Day 3
Wernigerode and the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway
A beautiful medieval city with many restored half-timbered houses including the ‘smallest house’ and the ‘crooked house’. See also the impressive castle perched over the town. Having explored this charming town, we hop on board the famous Harz Narrow Gauge Railway and travel to the summit of the Harz’s highest mountain, the Brocken.
Day 4
Hanover and Castles
Few cities are as diverse and attractive as Hanover. Stroll though the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen or along the promenade of Lake Machsee. In the old quarter, you can wander through narrow medieval streets or through the extensive modern pedestrian zone with its series of elegant arcades and shopping malls. Optional guided tours are available. Continue to nearby Marienburg Castle for a guided visit. This fortress-like castle was built by the King of Hanover as a birthday gift for his wife, Queen Marie.
Day 5
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave Goslar and return to the UK. Make an overnight stop en route back to Calais for the return crossing on Day 9.
Suggested hotels
Leonardo Hotel Berlin ***
A firm favourite with Greatdays groups!
This 3-star-superior hotel is
in Berlin’s district, 100 yards from Bismarckstraße Underground Station, which provides a direct connection to Potsdamer Platz and Alexanderplatz. All rooms at Leonardo Hotel are air-conditioned and have a flat-screen TV, hot drinks facilities, a work desk and a private bathroom. Wi-Fi is available in the whole hotel. The hotel offers a large buffet breakfast and there’s a bar serving drinks and snacks.Hotel Der Achtermann, Goslar ****
Unique historic hotel with a 500-year old tower, located in the centre of the town in close vicinity to the pedestrian zone. Lovely terrace overlooking the stunning mountain scenery. The hotel does not have onsite coach parking, however there is a free public car park with space for 2 coaches just 200 m from the hotel and another larger parking area, with space for up to 8 coaches by the station.
HKK Hotel, Wernigerode ****
Excellent stylish hotel located in the middle of the Harz national Park, around 35 km from Goslar and only 100 meters from the historical city of Wernigerode’s Old Town. The hotel is 600 meters away from the train station and surrounded by the beautiful Harz mountains. Coaches parking at the hotel free of charge (7 spaces).
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Dates | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
2024 dates | From £615.00 per person | Price on Request |