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Tailor Made Rail · Independent rail holiday

Cologne and Berlin

London to Berlin by Eurostar and ICE trains, 6 days, 2 cities

Illustration of Cologne and Berlin

Tailor Made Rail's Cologne and Berlin holiday is a 6-day independent rail journey from London across continental Europe. Starting with Eurostar to Brussels, you board the German ICE for Cologne, where you spend two nights in a 4-star hotel on the River Rhine. The itinerary leaves your days free to visit the cathedral, cruise the Rhine, or relax at the Claudius Therme baths. On Day 3, you board the ICE again for a four-and-a-half-hour direct train to Berlin, where three nights in the Mercure Hotel Checkpoint Charlie put you in the heart of the capital. Days 4 and 5 are yours to explore the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Berlin Wall Memorial, and museums documenting German history. All rail is included in standard class with reservations; breakfast at both hotels is provided. The trip suits first-time rail travellers seeking a straightforward point-to-point routing and independent explorers happy to navigate each city on their own.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels listed as 'or similar': your final accommodation depends on availability and the tier you select.
  • No day-by-day itinerary detail for the return journey on Day 6; confirm routing back to London with Tailor Made Rail.
  • This is an independent holiday, not escorted; you make your own way between your hotel and the train stations.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Cologne

    London to Cologne

    Eurostar to Brussels, connecting onto the Cologne-bound ICE train service. Check in at the Mondial am Dom MGallery Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: Cologne

    Cologne

    The landmark cathedral, museums and galleries, a cruise along the Rhine, or the cableway from Cologne Zoo to the Rheinpark and the Claudius Therme baths.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Berlin

    Cologne to Berlin

    A modern InterCity Express (ICE) train across the north of the country to Berlin, around four and a half hours, passing Wolfsburg. Check in at the Mercure Hotel & Residenz Berlin Checkpoint Charlie (or similar) for a 3-night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Berlin

    Berlin

    The Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower, the Reichstag, the Tiergarten and the Berlin Wall Memorial, or the German History Museum and the DDR Museum.

  5. Day 5overnight: Berlin

    Berlin

    A further day exploring Berlin, with evenings around Hackescher Markt or the Kurfurstendamm.

  6. Day 6

    Berlin to London

    Return journey to London via Cologne and Brussels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar departs London for Brussels, then board the ICE train to Cologne, crossing the European mainland on high-speed rail.
  • Day 2A Rhine cruise from Cologne gives views of the river and the city's cathedral; alternative: the cableway from Cologne Zoo to Rheinpark.
  • Day 3The ICE train departs Cologne and travels four and a half hours north across Germany to Berlin, passing Wolfsburg en route.
  • Day 4Explore Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and Berlin Wall Memorial, or visit the German History Museum and DDR Museum.

Included

  • All rail journeys, in standard class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • 5 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Comprehensive directions to your hotels
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Tailor Made Rail includes all rail journeys from London to Berlin on Eurostar and German ICE trains in standard class, plus seat reservations where required.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar from London to Brussels, then ICE from Brussels to Cologne, then ICE from Cologne to Berlin. The return route (Day 6) goes back via Brussels.
What hotels are included?
Two nights at the Mondial am Dom MGallery Hotel (or similar) in Cologne, and three nights at the Mercure Hotel & Residenz Berlin Checkpoint Charlie (or similar) in Berlin. Both include breakfast.
How is this trip structured?
It is an independent rail holiday. You receive comprehensive directions to your hotels and email ticket despatch; there is no guide accompanying you.
Can I upgrade to First Class?
Yes. Tailor Made Rail offers a First Class upgrade for all rail journeys from £200 per person, or you can upgrade individual train segments.
What does the price include?
All rail journeys in standard class, seat reservations, 5 nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast, comprehensive directions, email ticket despatch, and proactive rerouting support if strikes or disruptions occur.

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